We the people are slaves to the taxes in our Province We demand to pay less.We are anxious to increase tourism levels, our present status is unacceptable.We are envisioning and expecting year-round tourism not just 4 months a year!We are in urgent need to decrease the unemployment rate

The Mayor and Council of Toronto have refused to have a Referendum on Gambling. We are asking that a Referendum be put on the ballot before the end of April for the next Civic election. Councillors need not express for or against it if they wish until they hear the public response. This Petition from the people of Toronto is to ensure we get the option to vote for a casino.

YOU, THE GOVERNMENT ARE PAID AND ELECTED TO CARRY OUT YOUR CONSTITUENTS WISHES, NOT TO MAKE DECISIONS FOR THEM WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION.

This city could generate $3 Billion in Revenue. Approx 15\% that the City of Toronto should make represents $450 Million dollars annually. Think about it. This extra funding would be fundamental for many worthwhile city causes.

These Positive Facts are undeniable:- You know Detroit built three casinoss and generates approximately $2.5 Billion Dollars annually.- You know from reading the notes from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporations Annual Report 2003-2004, Niagara Falls Casino attracted 15 million people, employed more than 11,000 people and grossed 1.7 Billion in Gross revenue. During construction 1,200 people were employed and the cost was over $1 Billion. Casino Niagara is visited by 17,500 people daily; its Niagaras fourth largest employer and is Ontarios top tourist attraction representing 40\% of the Canadian tourism industry.- You know that every major city in Canada has casinos, except Toronto.- You know that Montreal is now contemplating a SECOND Casino to help kick-start part of their downtown.- You know with the development of Casinos, comes naturally the development of other revenue generating businesses such as hotels, golf courses, new tourist attractions WE WANT THIS.- IN THE TORONTO STAR MARCH 29, 2006, CITY LAWYERS AND COUNCILLORS STATED THEIR OPINION THAT ITS PERFECTLY LEGAL FOR TORONTO TO RUN A LOTTERY TO RAISE MONEY. THATS GREAT THEN. THE BRIEFING NOTE WENT ON TO ADD THAT TWO-THIRDS OF ONTARIO ADULTS PLAY OR HAVE PLAYED LOTTERY GAMES AND A QUARTER OF ADULTS PLAY AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. OF COURSE THEY DO, THEY ENJOY IT THEY WOULD ALSO ENJOY CASINOS IN TORONTO AND TORONTO WOULD BE ALL THE BETTER FOR IT.- Councillor David Soknacki said ITS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROPERTY TAXES AND ITS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PUBLIC SERVICES. IF PEOPLE WANT TO OPTIONALLY SPEND MONEY ON OPTIONAL SERVICES, THE OPPORTUNITY IS THERE. We couldnt agree more lets expand that opportunity, lets allow our people to vote for/against casinos.- We cant afford to kid ourselves any longer There is a Casino at Rexdale/27 and slots make up to 80\% of any Casinos revenue and Toronto only gets 2.5\% of that revenue.

Toronto Has Room for Three Casinos:1. One at the Exhibition this annual attraction has been an economical drain on the city for years. Lets change that.2. Another at Downsview there is tons of land there, it is prime real estate.3. Another, South of Lakeshore in the Portlands on the waterfront. This area should have been developed 20 years ago.

The Status of our City just to name a few:- You have no problem suggesting that we put a tax on parking lots and entertainment tickets - which both are already too expensive; you have no problem suggesting putting a tax on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway - which would kill business downtown; you have no problem raising taxes and cutting social services. This is not necessary.- The City is in debt, so is the Province.- The City licenses strip clubs, and massage parlors. BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONIES TO FUND OUR POLICE FORCE; TO TEAR DOWN THE GARDINER TO YONGE STREET; TO HOUSE THE HOMELESS; TO FIX PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION; TO INVEST THE MONIES TO KICK START THE WATERFRONT SOUTH OF LAKESHORE. WHICH HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT FOR FAR TOO LONG.

Seeing the City Through Our Eyes:- You refuse to see the positive result of Las Vegas, one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.- You refuse to admit that our tourist industry is down and even with the new Opera House will continue to be down.- You refuse to acknowledge that Tourists and Conventioneers want fun when they visit our great city.- Some of you even sit on your high horses and speak of morals and reasons against formal Casinos, however Alcohol Establishments, Strip bars and Massage Parlors are acceptable?- You criticized and delayed Sunday Shopping saying it would hurt religion, family values and the destruction of businesses. Well it didnt happen did it?- You add expenses to our City but do not foster the growth of it.- You know this city needs attention and development NOW, not later.- You know its a lack of urgency to get things done that keeps us stalled, and you still sit tight.- You know you have the power to act; to mark a new beginning and forge ahead with this long overdue venture called Growing a City. The city is a business and as such it needs expansion, not cutting of services.

Freedom of Choice:Just like any freedom, those wishing to attend Casinos would be free to do so. Those who do not, simply dont have to. Its like going to the movies or watching TV, you can turn it on or turn it off. One thing is definite even those who do not wish to participate in gaming will reap the rewards of the economic prosperity it will bring.

Torontoits labeled the biggest, economic engine of Canada and it only generates a fraction of its potential. Lets work together now and change this today.

I Vote YES for casinos in Toronto!

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